Kota Kinabalu Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Kota Kinabalu featuring boating and landscape views
Photo provided by Tourism Malaysia
Kota Kinabalu
Photo provided by Tourism Malaysia
Kota Kinabalu
Sabah’s capital is a laid-back, oceanfront city not far from towering Mount Kinabalu, traditional villages and a spectacular marine park.

Kota Kinabalu, or “KK” as it is affectionately known throughout Asia, is the dynamic gateway to Borneo. The city offers a wealth of cultural sights, from museums and art galleries, to mosques and botanical gardens. The year-round tropical weather is ideal for exploring the nearby beaches, rain forest trails and tropical islands. KK is also a foodie’s paradise, offering a huge range of regional Asian cuisines, including some of the largest barbecued banana prawns you will ever hope to see!

It’s easy to get around KK’s downtown sights on foot or by bus. Spend a day exploring local culture at the Sabah Museum and the nearby Ethnobotanical Gardens, where you’ll find pitcher plants, medicinal flora, rice and herbs.

At the Sabah Art Gallery, within the Sabah Museum complex, enjoy work by local artists both established and upcoming. Visit the Monsopiad Cultural Village for insight into the Kadazandusun indigenous tribes of Sabah. These tribes share their craftwork, architectural practices, cooking and dance with visitors.

Just beyond Kota Kinabalu’s downtown attractions, a world of wilderness and island possibilities await. Pack your snorkeling and fishing gear and island hop around the five islands of the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park.

Discover Borneo's incredible fauna at the Kota Kinabalu Wetland Centre, the Lok Kawi Wildlife Park, Green Connection, an aquarium, and the Tuaran Crocodile Farm.

Pull on your hiking boots and experience wild Borneo at the Kinabulu Park, where you’ll find carnivorous pitcher plants, the huge rafflesia flower and four species of primate. Climb to the peak of Mount Kinabalu for an unforgettable sunrise view over northern Borneo and the South China Sea.

Kota Kinabalu is home to Malaysia’s second busiest airport, making it an easily accessible destination.

Where to stay in Kota Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu showing island images, tropical scenes and a coastal town

Downtown Kota Kinabalu

4/5(38 area reviews)

A noteworthy feature of Downtown Kota Kinabalu is its popular shops. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Centre Point and Kota Kinabalu Central Market.

Downtown Kota Kinabalu
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Tanjung Aru

3.5/5(5 area reviews)

Beaches and abundant dining options are well-reviewed features of Tanjung Aru. Make a stop by top sights like Tanjung Aru Perdana Park while you're exploring the area.

Tanjung Aru
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Karambunai

Karambunai is popular for its pristine beaches, and you might make a stop by Nexus Golf Resort Karambunai, a top place to visit in the area.

Karambunai
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Alamesra

While Alamesra may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like 1Borneo Hypermall and Likas Stadium.

Alamesra
Kota Kinabalu showing island images, tropical scenes and a coastal town

Kampung Air

Unique features of Kampung Air include the shopping and restaurants. Make a stop by Kompleks Asia City or Sedco Square while you're exploring the area.

Kampung Air
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Likas

Visitors to Likas enjoy its shopping, and if you want to do some exploring, Kota Kinabalu City Mosque is worth a stop.

Likas
Hyatt Regency Kinabalu

Hyatt Regency Kinabalu

5 out of 5
Jalan Datuk Salleh Sulong, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
The price is ₹9,983 per night from 12 Aug to 13 Aug
₹9,983
₹10,985 total
12 Aug - 13 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Kota Kinabalu. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
"Booked a sea view twin with breakfast. Watching sunset in your air conditioning room is totally worth it."

Reviewed on 27 Jun 2025

Hyatt Regency Kinabalu
Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu

Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu

5 out of 5
Jalan Tun Fuad Stephens, Sinsuran, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹10,802 per night from 15 Aug to 16 Aug
₹10,802
₹11,870 total
15 Aug - 16 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Kota Kinabalu. Enjoy a full-service spa, 2 restaurants and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
We'll be back
"We really enjoyed our recent stay. The highlights were: absolutely wonderful staff, some of the best food as well as variety for breakfast a d dinner in the club lounge, a great pool and plenty of shaded sun lounges, fantastic live music Wed. to Sat. And great location."

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu
The Magellan Sutera Resort

The Magellan Sutera Resort

5 out of 5
1 Sutera Harbour Boulevard, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
The price is ₹19,893 per night from 4 Aug to 5 Aug
₹19,893
₹21,906 total
4 Aug - 5 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury resort in Kota Kinabalu. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
"Friendly and very good customer service especially from the front desk,which i can thank enough to help me solve some of difficult face during my stay!!worth for money"

Reviewed on 3 Jun 2025

The Magellan Sutera Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Citadines Waterfront Kota Kinabalu

Citadines Waterfront Kota Kinabalu

4 out of 5
G-08 JALAN TUN FUAD STEPHENS, Kota Kinabalu
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Kota Kinabalu. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Popular attractions Imago Shopping ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (40 reviews)
"Great location, clean and comfortable rooms with a lovely pool."

Reviewed on 6 Jul 2025

Citadines Waterfront Kota Kinabalu
La.mer Butik

La.mer Butik

2.5 out of 5
Bay Suites, Lorong Bayu, Off Jalan Istiadat, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Stay at this aparthotel in Kota Kinabalu. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions Imago Shopping Mall and Sabah Indoor Climbing ...
8/10 Very Good! (1 review)
"房間大,1樓有洗衣機,但不行用現金及信用卡,不過一樓的櫃檯人員可以幫忙用其他的支付方式,再給他現金就好 房間有小黒蠅,感覺比較不好 另外房間也沒附盥洗備品需要自己帶,也沒有體重機秤行李"

Reviewed on 22 Jun 2025

La.mer Butik
Borneotel The Shore KK by CHG

Borneotel The Shore KK by CHG

3 out of 5
Jln Lapan Belas, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Kota Kinabalu. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, parking (surcharge) and Netflix. Popular attractions Imago Shopping Mall and KK Plaza are located ...
6.8/10 (11 reviews)
"Clean and centrally located Borneotel offers easy access to shopping and dining. Situated opposite the Filipino Handicraft market, it boasts efficient and friendly staff."

Reviewed on 5 Jan 2025

Borneotel The Shore KK by CHG
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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